Southern Chinese lion dancing comes from an ancient tale: Terrorized by a mythical monster, a horde of villagers descended from the mountains and huddled under an enormous monster of their own in an attempt to repel the beast. Year after year, to the accompaniment of firecracker bursts and drums, the ritual is repeated as protection against evil spirits. At least that’s one version.

“Everyone tells it differently,” said Jason Lam.

… “Lion dancing is our way of not only paying tribute to this ancient culture,” Mr. Lam said. “It is also our chance to hold on to the past while living in the present.”

Third, answer the following writing prompt and question and, if you are 13 or older, post your answers to our blog.

1. Pick one of the three correct answers and identify a clue in the passage that helps you know it is correct.

You can use this sentence frame:

I know that the word _________ means _________ because _________.

2. What is one of your family’s and/or home culture’s New Year’s traditions?

You can use this sentence frame:

One of the things (my family does/people in my home country do) to celebrate a new year is _________. We do it because _________.